Did Mauer make the right choice?

Posted at 12:55 PM on April 27, 2007
by David Zingler

If you know me at all or read this blog regularly, you've probably noticed that lately I've been fascinated by the idea of Joe Mauer as a quarterback. So, when I ran into two of Mauer's high school teammates, Ryan Harris and Marcus Freeman, at Lifetime Fitness in Target Center, I couldn't help but pick their brains.

When I asked the two former Notre Damers if Mauer could have made it to the NFL, Harris quickly quipped "No doubt," and called Mauer the best QB he had played with. Not bad, when you consider that Harris blocked for Brady Quinn the past four years. Quinn of course, is slated to be a top 5 pick in tomorrow's draft.

Harris gushed about Mauer, saying that he could have been the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft as well. Freeman, by the way, seemed to agree with everything the more talkative Harris was saying.

According to Harris and Freeman, Mauer's talent on the gridiron went beyond quarterbacking, both talked about his legendary kickoffs in practice. "(Mauer) was the best at whatever he did," Harris explained. "If he wanted to eat hot dogs, he would be the best hot dog eater."

Another thing Mauer is noted for is his modesty. Harris assured me it was no act. In high school, Harris said, Mauer drove a non-descript, late-model Toyota Corolla. "I remember thinking," Harris recollected, "the best QB in the nation is driving this car!?"

So there you have it, the best quarterback in this state is playing catcher for the Twins. And you didn't think the Vikings were cursed.

(Note: Harris, a tackle, is expected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round of the NFL draft, Freeman is the 19th rated tight end by scout.com.)